melanoma skin cancer tagged posts

Schematic of sentinel node detection using ICG and OPUS, utilizing optoacoustic contrast of biomarkers in tissue using multispectral excitation. The contrast images are overlaid on tomographic ultrasound images, as well as using three dimensional optoacoustic detection. Credit: S. Morscher, I. Stoffels, J. Claussen, J. Klode

Scientists are testing a noninvasive alternative to lymph node biopsy for detecting early signs that melanoma skin cancer has spread. Patients currently undergo surgical removal, often involving a radioactive tracer, of these lymph nodes to screen for wayward cancer cells. But researchers say that in most cases this approach uncovers no sign of cancer spread while exposing patients to unnecessary risks...